furry friends

gus on the go

April 1, 2012
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Ever since I saw these fantastic photos of basset hounds running, I’ve always wanted to learn how to capture Gus in motion.  Lucky for me, this week my photo class focused on shutter speed.  So I dialed it up to 640 & headed outside with some treats Sunday afternoon.

I still have a ways to go on nailing the exact right ISO & aperture, however I was really pleased with what I managed to catch.  I love the one on the bottom right where his ears look like a Pippi Longstocking hair-do.

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my march resolution

March 24, 2012
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Resolutions don’t have to begin in January, right?  Well at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

I’ve owned a digital Nikon SLR camera for over 7 years.  I bought it to take pictures of our products in a light booth for our website & had a photographer friend dial up the manual settings for our shooting conditions.  Beyond that, I really haven’t done much with it.  I’ve always wanted to learn more, but never carved out the time or energy to make it happen.

After attending the Creative Connection last fall, I was re-inspired to pursue this skill.  Plus seeing all the pretty pictures on Pinterest continues to make me drool.  I want to take photos like that!  So I signed up for an online class at Big Picture Classes  this March & am spending 8 weeks learning about mastering the manual mode.

Lucky for me Tuesday & Gus can really focus on a treat when I hold it right above the lens :-)  Most of these shots were captured in aperture mode which allows me to focus in right on the subject, but I can control how blurry I want the background to be.

It was so glorious last weekend I bought pansies for my flower boxes & ended up picking up a hyacinth too.  Something about the intoxicating smell of these posies makes me incredibly happy.  Our house definitely got a big dose of plant perfume last week.  For more of my class homework, I  took a daily picture of this purple lady as she put on her spring show.

I’m looking forward to the next 4 weeks of class & sharing the fruits of my new found hobby with you.

Like to see where I spend my time away from catching fireflies?  Then sign up to receive blog posts like these in your email inbox HERE

helping our furry friends find forever homes

November 2, 2011
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We were thrilled to deliver loads of supplies & donate over $600 to Almost Home Animal Rescue in celebration of Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month this October.

Gus could hardly believe all the great canned food, toys, treats & towels that our firefly fans brought in for his furry friends.

Isn’t Tucker the cutest boy?  It’s hard to believe he hasn’t been snatched up yet!  And Greta started purring as soon as we picked her up :-)  You can see the rest of the dogs & cats they have available for adoption HERE.

Being a rescue himself, Gus thinks it’s pretty awesome we have such generous firefly fans.  Thank you for making days brighter for furry friends looking for forever homes!

Like to see how you can help us make days brighter for those in need? Stay in the loop by signing up to receive these inspiring updates in your email inbox!

our furry family members

October 26, 2011
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We’re pretty excited that we’ve raised over $450 for Almost Home Animal Rescue in celebration of Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month this October, but there’s still time to add to that number.  We’re donating a dollar for every new facebook like we get through October 31. We invite you to help us spread the word by placing this link: http://bit.ly/5-Fantastic-Reasons-To-Like-Catching-Fireflies in your facebook status.

Most everyone who’s on our team has a four legged friend or two that has been rescued.  We asked them what was their favorite thing about their pooch or kitty…

Kim of our Rochester location says, “My favorite thing to do with my dog is to throw him a hula hoop in the backyard. He is much too large to play with just a tennis ball.”

Sara of our Berkley store says, “Our favorite thing about Josie is that she’s a great cuddler.  She’s always on the lookout for a lap to crawl into and snuggle up for a nap.”

Danielle, our Berkley manager says, “We adopted Simon 9 years ago.  I have too many favorites to pick just one.  He’s my bestest buddy.”

Tammy from our Berkley store says, “We adopted Lillith a year ago in October and my daughter fell in love with her because they share the same name!  My daughter is Lilly and Lillith is her cat.  Lillith loves to ‘sing’.  We start to sing Happy Birthday to -and Lillith meows and the kids crack up as she finishes the song.  As we all know with cats, Lillith has to be in the mood to sing!”

Dena, our Rochester manager says, “She has this amazing ability to make me laugh everyday with her silly faces. Makes me excited to home to that everyday. Such a blessing.”

April adopted Tuesday 13 years ago after she worked at a kids day camp at an animal shelter in Ann Arbor.  “One of the many things I love about Tuesday is how she tries to squeeze into small boxes or baskets and after she gets settled in, her fluffiness spills over the edge like a muffin top.”

Steve & April adopted Gus from a Basset Hound Rescue over 3 years ago.  He makes us smile in many ways but Steve’s favorite thing about Gus is when he stares at him while he eats and he lifts his ears slightly, tilts his head and looks at his plate as if he is trying to move it with mental telepathy.

Piper has called our Berkley catching fireflies home for the past 7 years.  She has loads of fans who dote over her daily, however our manager, Danielle takes pride in knowing Piper loves her the very most.

our pet picks

October 26, 2011
By

Many people on our team share their home with furry family members so it’s no surprise they like some of our pet goodies.

I bought this for my dog and I put a picture of her in that makes me laugh every time I see it. My dog makes the funniest expressions, I change out the picture all the time. Very functional too it is not so big that you can’t find room for the leash. Love it!  Laugh Love Bark Leash Holder $27

This super cute clock would add whimsy and charm to any room. Perfect for the dog lover who had a yellow lab or like us, the golden retriever.  Dog Clock $57.95

Purchased this, dog spout, for a service dog who lives with her military family. After a long day of visiting the soldiers, it’s great to take a nice long drink of water for a job well done.  Portable Pet Drinking Device  $8.95

I love these black and white signs and this one is one of my favorite because it represents the joy a cat can bring in to your life. We have two cats and we love how much unconditional joy they bring us. This sign says it all! All You Need… sign $7.95

These are the most adorable pencil sharpeners! They come in pink or blue and you put your pencil in the mouth and crank their tail. These are the perfect gift for anyone who loves dogs and sharp pencils! Puppy Pencil Sharpener $5.95

Isn’t it funny how our furry family members can teach us some of the biggest lessons of all? A wonderful memento that will be cherished by any dog lover. Good Dogs Magnet $5

This little guy made it to his fourth margarita? Pretty impressive. Great product for your next Cinco de Mayo party or any other gathering in which you find yourself operating a blender and creating adult frozen deliciousness.  Margarita Napkins $5.50

I think my cat Josie would agree that this is the best advice she could give. I adopted her last May, she’s a five year old short haired black cat. And her favorite pastime is cuddling up on any lap available! This magnet clip makes a great gift for any cuddly cat lover! Cat Photo Magnet $10

I know with my busy schedule I don’t take my dog for walks as much as I’d like. With this handy leash holder and his big puppy eyes staring up at his leash we’re sure to go on more walks! Photo Leash Holder $27

I love Michelle Allen clocks and this blue fish clock is just the right item to coordinate with my beach themed kitchen. It makes me smile every time I see it :) Fish Clock $57.95

Do you like seeing what team catching fireflies is loving? We’re happy to share some of our favorite finds.  Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be in the loop & get our latest scoop.

pet supply drive

October 12, 2011
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This October it’s all about the dogs.  In addition to donating  a dollar to Almost Home Animal Rescue for every new facebook like we get,  we’re also collecting supplies they could use at their kennel.  Since they have no government funding, every little bit helps!

We invite you to bring in paper towel, dog & cat toys, grooming brushes, used terry cloth towels, canned cat & dog food to our Berkley & Rochester locations during the month of October.  As a thank you for your donation, we’ll give you a humorous note pad or magnet of your choice with any purchase.

Thanks a bunch for helping us make days brighter for animals in need of forever homes.

Like to see how you can help us make days brighter for those in need? Stay in the loop by signing up to receive these inspiring updates in your email inbox!

a dog’s unending loyalty

October 4, 2009
By

…just one of the many qualities I love about our four-legged friends.  This story from CBS Sunday Morning will melt your heart.

barkability feature

July 3, 2009
By

Barkibility 2
You're secret is safe with us, Charlie.

Sniff around @ Catching Fireflies. ($6)

Thanks Barkability for digging around our site and finding this treasure!

the long and short of it feature

July 2, 2009
By

Long and short
Thanks to Lucy Dog Designs for sending in the link to this little gem of a pair of hugely popular Dachshund salt and pepper shakers: A
tiny magnet holds these two dachshund hounds in a big smooch. What a
cute pair they make with their lips locked together! And as every
dachshund-lover knows, these lively playful pooches may be a little
stubborn but they are always there for you in a pinch. (…of salt that
is!).

Thanks Dachshund Lovers for sharing the love by spreading the word about our cute pooches.

rare bird finds feature

July 2, 2009
By

Rarebird sp shakers
Oh too cute!  A collection of adorable salt n' pepper kissing pooches
to decorate your picnic table. I love the chihuahua one (because I have
a chihuahua!) but there are other doggies to choose from – doxies,
boston terriers, bulldogs, labs – and even a few non-dogs, like
turtles, frogs and piggies.  $13.95 at Catching Fireflies

Thanks birdies for showcasing our puppies in love!

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hello there

April McCrumb

I'm April McCrumb ~ a creative gal from Michigan that loves to share clever gift ideas, simple recipes, my favorite tunes & all things crafty.  Thanks for stopping by my whimsical world. I hope you enjoy your visit.

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